And stowing away the remainder of the slice of bread he was eating, Richard Dare leaned back in his chair and gazed inquiringly across the breakfast-table to where his mother stood, ready to clear away the dishes when he had finished his meal.
"I'm sure you have been busy enough, Richard," responded Mrs. Dare fondly. "I am well satisfied with the way you have planted the garden; and no carpenter could have made a neater job of the front fence. You haven't wasted your time."
"Oh, I don't mean that. Fixing up around the house is well enough. But I mean some regular work—some position where I could bring home my weekly wages. I know it would be a big help all around. It takes a heap of money to run a family of three girls and a growing boy."
Mrs. Dare smiled sadly.
"What do you know about that?" she asked. "We all have enough to eat and drink, and our own roof over our heads."
"Yes, but I know that my dear mother sits up sewing sometimes long after we have gone to bed, so that our clothing may be cared for, and I know that she hasn't had a new dress in a year, though she deserves a dozen," added Richard heartily.
"I haven't much use for a new dress—I go out so little," said his mother. "But what kind of work do you wish to get?"
"Oh, anything that pays. I'm not particular, so long as it's honest.
"I'm afraid you will find but few chances in Mossvale. Times are dull here—ever since the hat factory moved away. I guess the stores have all the help they want. You might get a place on one of the farms."
"I don't think any farmer would pay much besides my board," replied the boy. "I've got another plan," he continued, with some hesitation.